Bararite is a rare ammonium fluorosilicate found primarily as a sublimate in volcanic fumaroles. It typically forms as small, thin, tabular crystals or crusts and is often found in association with other rare halides in active volcanic environments.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Bararite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bararite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch bararite with a known reference. Bararite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bararite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bararite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.

Often confused with

Bararite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside bararite

Minerals reported to co-occur with bararite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (NH₄)₂SiF₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.56 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumaroles of Volcanic Vents
Typical price: $20-100 for small study specimens

Where rockhounds find bararite

Classic worldwide localities

Vesuvius, Italy
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Tuscany, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumaroles of volcanic vents country — that is the host setting where bararite typically forms. If you start seeing cryptohalite, malladrite, sal ammoniac in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bararite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is bararite found?+

Notable localities include Vesuvius, Italy; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Tuscany, Italy.

How much is bararite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small study specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is bararite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains fluorine and ammonium; toxic if ingested or inhaled, and should be handled with care to avoid skin contact and dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bararite?+

Bararite is most often confused with Cryptohalite, Malladrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bararite?+

Bararite commonly co-occurs with Cryptohalite, Malladrite, Sal Ammoniac. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bararite form in?+

Bararite typically forms in fumaroles of volcanic vents. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bararite used for?+

Bararite is used in collector.

Find bararite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.